Last Friday seemed to be another tragic day on the Pacific Coast. A turbulent rip-tide pulled 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander deep into the ocean. When the rescue team arrived ten minutes later they found him in the sea and brought him back to land. It seemed to be too late — Dale no longer had a pulse. Nevertheless, medics continued to apply CPR on the way to Ocean Beach Hospital. Once they were inside the building a weak pulse returned.

Dale was airlifted to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital where, on Sunday evening, he opened eyes.

Damian Mulinix, a photographer with the Chinook Observer, was called on assignment to cover the breaking story. On the beach he photographed the fear and heartbreak of Dale’s church group sobbing and praying for his return. In the midst of the rescue, Damian also captured this haunting photo. It has come to symbolize both the terror and hope of Dale’s miraculous recovery.